JOHANNESBURG – A South African court rejected bail for a former deputy police chief accused of sexual offences on Tuesday, ordering that he remain in custody until his trial.
Shadrack Sibiya, the officer in question, stepped down from the police force earlier this month after his arrest in September. He faces charges of raping an 18‑year‑old woman, human trafficking, and grooming a minor for sexual exploitation.
Additional allegations have emerged before a commission of inquiry examining police misconduct, linking Sibiya to alleged members of criminal networks in the country. He maintains that the accusations are unfounded.
At Randburg Magistrates Court on Tuesday, the judge denied bail, concluding that Sibiya had not demonstrated exceptional circumstances warranting release and agreeing with prosecutors that his freedom could endanger witnesses.
Police have classified Sibiya’s exit from the service as a dishonourable discharge.
Sibiya is also a focus of a judicial commission investigating widespread corruption within the South African police and suspected ties to organised criminal groups.
During the hearings before the commission, chaired by retired Judge Mbuyiseni Madlanga, Sibiya was accused of maintaining close relationships with alleged criminal network members and receiving substantial cash and gifts from them.
The National Prosecuting Authority indicated that it is preparing for an imminent trial.
“We are satisfied that the evidence presented to the court is sufficient, which is why we secured today’s ruling,” said NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago.
